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["The Office of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee" <<address removed>>]

The Use of Science in UK International Development Policy 

In July 2003 the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee announced 
an inquiry into the use of science, technology and engineering in UK international 
development policy. 

The aim of the inquiry is to examine the extent to which research, technology 
and innovation is informing Government international development policy and
practice and what the impact of Government policy has been in building a 
relevant science base in developing countries. It is examining whether expertise
in the UK science base is being utilized effectively in the implementation of
this policy and what the implications are for the maintenance of a science,
technology and engineering capacity in the UK which is of relevance to 
development policies.

The Committee has invited written evidence on the following specific points:

 The co-ordination of research support with Government policy on the use of 
science in development policy, taking into account the work of the Research 
Councils and the objectives of HM Treasury, Department of Trade and Industry 
(DTI), Office of Science and Technology (OST), Foreign and Commonwealth Office 
(FCO), the British Council and Department for International Development (DfID);

 The means by which DfID acquires and uses scientific advice in developing
and implementing its policies and programmes;

 The extent to which investment in research and the promotion of innovation
play a part in DfID's country level development programmes;

 The progress of UK efforts to build scientific, technological and engineering
capacity in developing countries to help them overcome trade restrictions, and the
co-ordination of these efforts with NGOs, charities and international programmes;

 The ways in which the role of the UK private sector and public/private 
partnerships in science and technology research in knowledge transfer and in
capacity building programmes for the benefit of developing countries can be 
enhanced;

 The extent of scientific and engineering training provided by the UK as part
of development policy and the subsequent utilisation of such training in developing
countries. 

In announcing the inquiry, the Chairman of the Committee, Dr Ian Gibson MP, said 
"We want to see how effectively the Government - and not just DfID - is using 
science and technology to underpin its international development policy.  Is UK 
science contributing effectively to the long term prosperity of developing 
countries by helping them to develop a scientific capacity, or are we just tackling 
short term problems as they arise? We'll be looking to see if DfID's policies on 
development complement or conflict with OST and DTI's responsibilities for UK 
science and innovation. Is the Government giving with one hand and taking with the 
other?" 
 
The closing date for submission of written evidence has now passed and oral 
evidence has been taken from the following witnesses:

DfID
Institute of Development Studies
Development Studies Association
International Development Research Centre of Canada
Intermediate Technology Development Group
Economic and Social Research Council
Oxford Forestry Institute
Natural Resources Institute
Chairs of the Independent Advisory Committees for DfID's Research Programmes
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Natural Environment Research Council
Office of Science and Technology
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
UK Trade and Investment
British Council

The transcripts of these evidence sessions and further details of the inquiry 
can be found at:

http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/science_and_technology_committee.cfm

The future programme of oral evidence sessions is outlined below.  In addition, 
the Committee will be undertaking a visit to Malawi in June.  The report is 
likely to be published in the autumn.

Wednesday 26 May
DfID

Wednesday 9 June
Institution of Civil Engineers; Water, Engineering and Development Centre; 
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
 
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Centre for Tropical Veterinary 
Medicine; Medical Research Council.

Wednesday 7 July
Secretary of State for International Development

Further information on the work of the Committee can be obtained from Committee 
staff on 020 7219 2793/4 or by email to scitechcom@parliament.uk


Note

Membership of the Committee is as follows:

Dr Ian Gibson (Chairman)        (Lab, Norwich North)
Mr Paul Farrelly                (Lab, Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Dr Evan Harris                  (Lib Dem, Oxford West and Abingdon)
Kate Hoey                       (Lab, Vauxhall)
Dr Brian Iddon                  (Lab, Bolton South East)
Mr Robert Key                   (Con, Salisbury)
Mr Tony McWalter                (Lab, Hemel Hempstead)
Dr Andrew Murrison              (Con, Westbury)
Geraldine Smith                 (Lab, Morecambe and Lunesdale)
Bob Spink                       (Con, Castle Point)
Dr Desmond Turner               (Lab, Brighton Kemptown)



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